Motorists living in Makati and Mandaluyong better brace for heavier traffic for the next two and a half years. Last September 23, the government officially closed down the Estrella-Pantaleon bridge which links the cities of Makati and Mandaluyong.

It was originally supposed to be closed to traffic as early as September 20. However, it was postposed until September 23 to give more time for government agencies to disseminate the information to residents and other motorists.

According to the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the two-lane bridge will be demolished and replaced by a wider four-lane bridge which they estimate will be completed in 2021. The new bridge will cost Php 1.5-billion to construct and will span more than 500 meters in length.

With the bridge accommodating 100,000 vehicles daily, the recent shutdown is expected to cause heavy traffic in and around the area. Motorists are advised to take alternate routes like the Makati-Mandaluyong Bridge, and the EDSA-Gudalupe Brdige.

The project is part of a Php 5.27-billion Chinese grant which also covers the bridge rehabiliation project for the Intramuros Bridge in Manila. Both that and the Estrella-Pantaleon reconstruction will be conducted by China Road and Bridge Corporation.